Jamo Witt | Koen Molendijk | Stijn Stolwijk | Mirko Bühlmann
AV flexologic announces improved and reliable tapesystem
Client: AV Flexologix
Location: Alphen a/d Rijn, Zuid-Holland
Date: [Planned launch: beginning of January]
Overview
AV Flexologic is a Dutch company that specializes in advanced equipment for the flexographic printing industry. With decades of experience, they develop high-quality plate mounting and prepress solutions that help printing companies work faster, more accurately, and more efficiently. Their focus on innovation and automation has made them a trusted leader in flexo technology worldwide.
Problem
When switching to a different cylinder diameter, a piece of tape always needs to be removed from the roll. This is because the tape is applied at a specific cutting angle that changes for each diameter. As a result, leftover tape remains every time a new diameter is used. Currently, this leftover tape is stuck onto a small table, but this only works four to five times before the surface becomes unusable. Also sleeves are from different diameters and have to be removed from the tapestation after taping. This is now done by the robotarm. However the robothead is almost overloaded so every reduction in weight is recommended. With this in mind came the idea to make a sleeve removal system on the tapestation itself.
Solution
The solution is a mechanical roller system which can remove the leftover tape on a reliable way. It has to be small because the space is limited inside the robot ‘‘cage’’. For the sleeve removal system is a gripper system designed, made to fit in the limited space beneath the tapestation. This system can remove all sleeves in all available diameters.